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As the notion of a fresh socialist party spearheaded by Jeremy Corbyn and the Coventry South MP was first mooted in the summer, it attracted huge support that countless individuals showed enthusiasm in joining.

Although it was quickly beset by internal conflicts – its leaders clashed fiercely over its founding structure and revenue strategy – many hoped this weekend's first major event would signal a renewed effort.

Disappointing First Day

A significant portion of the attendees are ex-supporters of Labour, unhappy about the agenda of the current government and seeking a ideological base as they worry about the rise of the rival party.

As plans for the party's inaugural conference were wrapped up, Sultana and Corbyn seemed to resolved their differences. Speaking at a leftwing festival in Manchester last month, Sultana lightheartedly likened the duo to the famous musical siblings, remarking: “I’m here to tell you the show is back on the road.”

However when the gates to the conference centre in Liverpool welcomed attendees on Saturday morning, Sultana was noticeably absent. As Corbyn spoke to kick off the event, she was enjoying a cafe drink in a cafe about a brief walk from the location.

Governance Disagreement

It was clear there was no unified position on how the party ought to be governed. Corbyn informed the press he supported a established hierarchical structure, with a sole leader chosen to lead, and suggested he’d be prepared to compete if members chose this approach.

However, in an interview, Sultana said she was advocating for a shared governance model, with crucial policies being decided by ordinary participants – those not already serving as political representatives. She noted that she did not think parties should be managed by “sole personalities”. She did, nevertheless, suggest she would be prepared to run against Corbyn if there was a vote for a sole leader.

Toxic Culture

While Sultana maintained she and the ex-party head were on good terms – they had, she said, discussed how they hoped the conference to be “an encouraging gathering where members gain confidence” – she was highly critical about various associates and Your Party officials whom she thinks are undermining her. She refused to provide names, but it is known that relations between her followers and Corbyn’s previous top advisor Karie Murphy are notably strained.

The Coventry South MP – who abandoned Labour in July – further stated that there was still a “harmful environment” among others in Your Party, which had resulted in “pressure, coercion and defamation” and “acts of deliberate sabotage”.

Boycott and Group Conflicts

Conflict escalated significantly around midday when it was revealed Sultana would not attend the first day of the conference, in solidarity with prospective attendees who had been refused access from the event due to membership in other leftwing groups – particularly the Socialist Workers party. Her aide described this as a “witch-hunt”, stating: “We need to establish a party that embraces every left-wing supporter.”

Allies of Corbyn – who incorrectly claimed on Saturday morning that the the group was listed by the election authority – were furious, claiming Sultana was attempting to stage a “secondary event”. They believe accepting overlapping memberships would create chaos and increase the factionalism which already seems to have hampered the new party.

Regarding the position of the the political group, one Corbyn ally said: “It might not be formally recognized by the regulatory body but it is nonetheless a political group. The clue is in the name.”

Disappointment Among Participants

Numerous attendees were disappointed that Saturday’s events turned into internal disputes when they would have preferred to discuss key issues such as the economic pressures and border controls, as well as preparing for next year’s local elections.

The group is yet to decide if it will run its own nominees or back socialist independents and some participants feel the party will have failed if it is not available as a choice as an alternative to Labour.

Hope for Day Two

The outcome is uncertain if the conference can be salvaged on Sunday, when the outcomes of important ballots – such as the official title and leadership structure – will be revealed. Sultana is scheduled to participate and speak to the crowd, which has reassured those who still wish for unity.

Yet many participants remained despondent as they departed of the meeting space into a wet evening in Liverpool on Saturday. It's possible the sentiment of the day was captured by a single attendee, who said: “My substantial beverage is becoming a bottle.”